Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu is setting his sights on the World Cup despite missing England's 1-1 draw in Holland last night.

Ehiogu admitted he was "majorly disappointed" to be overlooked by Sven Goran Eriksson, but hopes that a good run of form for Boro between now and the end of the season could yet earn him a seat on the plane to Japan and Korea.

"I was gutted not to be involved last night, but I wasn't expecting to be in because I've only played two games this year," said Ehiogu.

"I know time is running out as far as making the squad goes, and I couldn't have been injured at a worse time.

"It will be difficult now, but you can never say never and I have to be confident in the hope I can sneak in the back door.

"People have said it was an experimental squad last night, but there is only one more chance to impress and that is the Italy game.

"You have to be realistic and believe there is a chance, and you never know what's going to happen with players picking up injuries before the squad is selected.

"We'll have to wait and see but I think that if you're not in the squad for the Italy match, you can start looking to book your holidays."

The Boro defender added: "I believe I'm good enough or I wouldn't be talking about it.

"Getting in the World Cup squad is one of the things that keeps me going. I'd be devastated if I thought I would miss out."

Ehiogu has been regularly involved during most of Eriksson's reign, but competition for places is hotting up.

He said: "The manager seems to have had a settled midfield and forward line to a degree, but he has experimented quite a bit in defence.

"There are a lot of players fighting for positions, but realistically there are probably only three or four places left to fill in the squad."

Meanwhile Darius Vassell admitted he was "over the moon" after scoring England's equaliser last night.

Sven-Goran Eriksson said that Vassell's superb 60th-minute volley and his accomplished all-round display had now made him a genuine contender for the World Cup Finals.

Darius said: ""I don't know how to describe it - I'm over the moon. I just hope I can go back to my club and keep my feet on the ground.

"There was a man in front of me and I just gambled. It missed his head and fortunately it went in.

"All through the build-up, you get nerves, but the lads were good to me. When you get the opportunity you just try to do your best, and luckily it worked out for me."

Eriksson, who also gave debuts to Wayne Bridge and Michael Ricketts in the 1-1 draw, asked Vassell to play on the right of a three-pronged attack in a new-look 4-3-3 formation.